Proposed Massachusetts Ballot Questions address MCAS, psychedelics, and unions
By Madison Lucchesi
On election day, Massachusetts voters will cast a presidential ballot and determine the future of 5 state laws.
Organizers and advocates must obtain thousands of voters’ signatures to get a question on a ballot. Advocacy groups must also register their financial regulators, which allows them to advertise their initiative extensively.
Four questions are certified ballot questions, with a proposed fifth question.
MCAS as a graduation requirement
The 1993 Education Reform Act established passing the MCAS science, math and English exams as a graduation requirement. This year’s ballot question asks voters to determine whether or not the state should eliminate that requirement.
Teachers associations have discussed the inequities created by the MCAS exam for years. The MCAS exam can be challenging for students who struggle with standardized testing, students with disabilities, and students who do not speak English as a first language or are still learning English.
Each year, over 700 high school students do not graduate because they do not meet the MCAS requirement.
Legalizing psychedelic mushrooms
The psychedelic mushroom initiative received over 75,000 supporting signatures.
Psychedelic mushrooms contain psilocybin, which alters thoughts and perceptions. Research found that mushrooms can treat depression and other mental illnesses. The drug is a traditional part of Indigenous rituals and is considered non addictive.
Ride-share app unions
Ride-share app drivers are seeking the ability to unionize and advocate for better pay, conditions and healthcare.
Earlier this month, the Massachusetts Attorney General announced a deal that mandates a minimum pay of $32.50 hourly and expanded benefits. The deal also included a $175 million settlement for back pay.
Audit the Legislature
State Auditor Diana DiZoglio said, “Beacon Hill cannot continue its closed-door, opaque operations with so much at stake.”
Sixty-seven percent of survey respondents said they supported a ballot initiative that would “allow the state auditor to assess the performance of the state Legislature,” according to a study conducted by UMASS Amherst and WCVB.
Raise minimum wage $15 for tipped servers
The proposed ballot question to raise tipped servers’ minimum wage to $15 has not yet been approved. Although the campaign gathered enough signatures, a leader of the Massachusetts Restaurant Association said some signatures were “fraudulently obtained.”
The Massachusetts Ballot Law Commission will hold a hearing on July 17 or afterwards to “consider the objection,” according to Secretary of State William F. Galvin.
One Fair Wage, the group leading the campaign for the ballot question, said the challenge is “nothing more than a blatant attempt to stop the democratic process from happening.”